Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the release of Turkish nationals held hostage in Iraq

The Secretary-General welcomes the release on Friday, 19 September, of the Turkish men, women and children who had been held captive by ISIL since 11 June 2014 following the seizure by the terrorist group of the Turkish Consulate in Mosul. He is relieved that, at the end of a three-month ordeal, they are now home safe and sound.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the immediate release of all hostages in the region and reminds parties that kidnapping is a gross violation of human rights and humanitarian law.